The Cardinals already have tinkered with their 40-man roster in the offseason, out-righting pitcher Mitch Harris and catchers Alberto Rosario and Michael Ohlman.
Then, as they tried to do the same with outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker and lefthanded reliever Dean Kiekhefer, both were claimed on waivers, by Arizona and Seattle, respectively. And versatile, 24-year-old infielder/outfielder Breyvic Valera, who hit .341 at Class AAA Memphis, subsequently was added to the roster before he could become a six-year, minor-league free agent.
But, at 37 players on the 40-man winter roster, the Cardinals aren’t done yet. Several more will be trimmed Friday and a half dozen or so promising minor leaguers will be promoted as all major league clubs set their rosters in preparation for next month’s winter meetings at which the Rule 5 draft of unprotected players will be held.